This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs on the vehicles listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Subaru Outback electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2023 Subaru Outback have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Outback | 358 |
| 2020 Outback | 245 |
| 2021 Outback | 71 |
| 2022 Outback | 46 |
| 2023 Outback (this page) | 16 |
| 2025 Outback | 5 |
| 2026 Outback | 3 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 16 electrical complaints filed for the 2023 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in conjunction with the applicable Service Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces availability of new Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) & Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) module reprogramming files developed to address cases of a cracking-type noise heard under the dashboard in the brake pedal area when the brake pedal is released. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide removal and installation tips to be followed when working with EyeSight Stereo Cameras.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2023 Outbacks report persistent electrical and software glitches affecting core safety and convenience. The infotainment display—both main and dash units—randomly restarts and freezes, sometimes 11 times in a 10-minute drive, disabling navigation, Apple CarPlay, phone functions, odometer display, and critically, adaptive cruise control and EyeSight warnings. Dealer software updates have failed to resolve the issue.
EyeSight safety features disable unpredictably in various conditions—fog, low light, normal driving—without warning indicators. Owners report the system goes out for minutes to hours, disengaging adaptive cruise, collision warnings, and lane departure alerts. One owner experienced unintended acceleration to 63 mph with initial brake failure, requiring continuous brake pedal pumping to regain control.
Battery drain is widespread: one owner's battery failed to hold charge at 51,930 miles after repeated start failures, with independent shops confirming systemic electrical drain per TSB 07-213-22R (which acknowledges the original battery specification as insufficient). Another owner's radio drew enough current to completely discharge the battery.
Starlink connectivity fails outright on multiple vehicles, disabling emergency services alerts, remote services, and multimedia features. Dealers confirm this as "known defect with no available fix." Infotainment systems freeze with ghost inputs and major daily lag. One owner's SiriusXM ads block screen access to climate and traction controls.
Pre-collision system failures at low speeds and driver's side window regulators add to the pattern. Dealers struggle to duplicate failures; Subaru inspections have found "no abnormalities" despite documented incidents.
Same Subaru Outback electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Infotainment and Software System Malfunctions
Main and dash displays randomly restart, freeze, and become unresponsive. Affects navigation, Apple CarPlay, phone functions, and odometer display. Multiple software upload attempts at dealer have not resolved the issue.
When: First reported December 2022, ongoing through March 2023; one owner reported 11 restarts in a 10-minute drive
Symptoms owners cite: Random display restarts without notice; Display freezing and unresponsiveness; Navigation failures; Apple CarPlay failures; Phone capability failures; Odometer display failures; Occurs at random speeds (12–60 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted multiple software uploads without resolution. Owners report service advisors stating warranty will not cover future software updates and charges will apply
Safety System Disables—EyeSight and Driver Assist
EyeSight adaptive cruise control, collision warnings, and lane departure warnings randomly disable or become inoperative. Multiple owners report the system goes out unexpectedly in various weather and driving conditions, disengaging without warning.
When: Reported from early ownership through various mileages; one case at ~6,000 miles, others at higher mileages
Symptoms owners cite: EyeSight system stops working intermittently or completely; Adaptive cruise control disables; Front collision warning fails; Lane departure warning fails; Rear backup camera freezes or fails to display; Driver assist disengages in fog and other weather; No warning indicators before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Backup camera on backorder for one owner resulting in 45-day repair delay. Dealers unable to duplicate failures; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner references class action lawsuit; another states dealer told her safety features may disengage under various weather conditions; manufacturer inspectors found no abnormalities despite documented failures
Unintended Acceleration with Loss of Braking Response
Vehicle accelerated unexpectedly to 63 mph when driver released throttle. Brake pedal failed to respond initially; continuous pumping eventually restored braking. Second incident occurred at low speed around a roundabill, resulting in curb strike and suspension damage.
When: Approximately 6,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerated to 63 mph after throttle release; Brake pedal initially unresponsive; No warning lamps illuminated; Second acceleration incident at 10–15 mph around roundabout; Unintended acceleration at variable speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Collision damage included bent wheel, imbalanced wheel, ball joint detached from knuckles, shifted brackets, and damaged tie rod and control arm
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Field inspector unable to determine cause; manufacturer later stated no abnormalities found; vehicle not repaired
Battery Drain and Failure to Start
Battery failed to hold charge over multiple days, causing repeated failure-to-start episodes with no warning lamps. Independent shop confirmed battery not holding charge per specifications, indicating systemic electrical drain. TSB 07-213-22R acknowledges original battery specification (SOA821B700, 620 CCA) insufficient; higher-capacity replacement (SOA821B900, 750 CCA) specified.
When: 51,930 miles; TSB issued March 2024; defect documented across 2020–2024 models
Symptoms owners cite: Battery would not maintain charge when vehicle parked; Repeated failure-to-start over 2 consecutive days; Loss of electrical systems (lights, hazards); Jump-startable but repeated failures after parking; No warning lamps or messages preceded failures
Codes mentioned: SOA821B700 (original battery, 620 CCA), SOA821B900 (replacement, 750 CCA)
Repairs/costs cited: Independent testing confirmed battery issue; replacement battery and mounting hardware required per TSB
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 07-213-22R; NHTSA #10252553 (March 2024 update); dealer testing contradicted independent findings; customer advocacy denied reimbursement claiming 'normal wear'
Starlink System Non-Function
Starlink connectivity and services fail to operate. Multiple owners report system does not function, with dealer confirmation of known defect but no available fix. One owner reported over 44,000 consumers affected by the same failure.
When: Reported at purchase (one at ~300 miles), others at ~24,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: System fails to function when vehicle is parked or in use; Automatic collision alert to emergency services inoperative; Diagnostic alert inoperative; Remote services inoperative; SOS emergency alert inoperative; Stolen vehicle recovery alert inoperative; Roadside Assistance alert inoperative; Multimedia features inoperative; Cannot duplicate at dealer
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle at dealership 45 days awaiting backup camera part related to system issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirmed as 'known manufacturer defect associated with unknown control module' with no fix available; over 44,000 consumers affected per dealer statement; case filed with manufacturer
Infotainment System Freezing, Lag, and Malfunction
Starlink head unit freezes, experiences major system lag, ghost input (buttons activating without user input), radio cutouts, and delayed startup. Issues occur daily or frequently with no warning lamps or messages.
When: Ongoing; one owner reports daily occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: System freezes; Major system lag experienced daily; Ghost input—buttons pressed without user action; Radio cutouts; Delayed system startup and operation; Pop-up SiriusXM ads block screen interaction, prevent access to air conditioning and traction control
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle awaiting parts; SiriusXM ad issue reported to Subaru of America, who promised OTA software update but it did not occur
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru first directed owner to contact SiriusXM; later promised OTA software update that was not delivered; owner reports hundreds of other consumers experiencing similar issues
Driver's Side Window Regulator Failure
Driver's side window frequently fails to roll up. Dealer reset attempt did not resolve issue. Poses safety hazard in inclement weather.
When: Multiple occurrences reported; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's side window will not roll up; Failure recurs after dealer reset; Safety concern in inclement weather
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted reset but issue persists
Radio Electrical Draw and Battery Drain
Radio drawing electrical current causing battery to fully discharge. Battery requires replacement along with radio unit. Extended parts unavailability delaying repair.
When: Unknown mileage; vehicle towed with completely dead battery
Symptoms owners cite: Battery 100% dead; Radio drawing electrical current when vehicle off
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replacement and battery replacement required; customer waiting 3+ weeks for parts
DCM (Telematics Control Module) Failure
DCM failure disables tracking and safety features. Second occurrence of same component failure reported by same owner.
When: Second failure reported; timing and mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: DCM non-functional; Tracking disabled; Safety features disabled
Repairs/costs cited: DCM replacement required
Pre-Collision System Delayed or Failed Response
Pre-collision system did not engage until after vehicle collided with truck ahead. Vehicle was traveling approximately 20 mph at time of collision. Fire started under hood shortly after collision.
When: Timing not specified; vehicle involved in prior EyeSight-related accident in July 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Pre-collision system did not engage or engaged after collision occurred; Fire under hood after collision
Repairs/costs cited: EyeSight system was repaired and calibrated by Santa Cruz Subaru after July 2023 accident
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Recently, in my 2023 Subaru Outback, I have been having pop-up ads for SirusXM take over my infotainment screen. The ad appears in the center, does not allow the user to interact with the screen - including air conditioning control and traction control selection - and will not go away until I acknowledge the ad. It has appeared when I start the vehicle and while I am driving. I contacted…
Some of the starling services associated with my 2023 Subaru Outback are not functioning as they should. The vehicle was purchased on 10/28/2022 and on 10/29/2022 I took it back to the dealer. I was told by the service department that the issue would have to be dealt with by the sales department since it was a Starling issue. The sale team then looked into the issue and I was told that the…
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outlook. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the Starlink system failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact was informed that it was a known failure; however, there was no fix available. In…
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2023 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 10,800 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.